ACADA

Thursday, 29 September 2016

Exclusive Interview With Fast Rising Nigerian Female DJ - DJ MJAY

Surviving in an industry dominated by male folks can be
highly tasking and challenging, but Mojisola Osindero aka DJ Mjay is upping her
game and doing her best to establish herself as one of Nigeria’s foremost DJs.
In this exclusive interview with ACADA Magazine, she revealed to us her journey
so far as a female DJ among other topical issues. Enjoy!

Can you share
with us what prompted you into taking up Disc Jockeying as a career?

I’ve always been into music and the love
has always been there. I love to stand and
watch DJ's perform whenever I'm at parties. I’ve always liked the headphone and
iPod but initially I never thought of pursuing deejaying because of my sex but
I don't want to regret not giving what I love a shot after much conviction from
a life coach (Leke Adenuga) I decide to do it because I'm the type of girl that
push boundaries. I'm glad I didn’t allow the fear of the uncertainty to pull me
back. How has the experience been so far?

Being a female deejay is a rare privilege and truly an honor, it takes lot of
guts to stand up for what you believe in and have passion for without minding
if you will get the necessary support or not. I see it as a platform for
greater things to come, one that’s exciting and at the same time scary and
challenging too. But in the end, I am proud to be a female deejay and the
career I chose for myself.

So how long have you been
in the game?

Long enough to understand what Djing really entails. LolWhat's the acceptability
like considering your gender?

I’d rather say being a female DJ is more of an advantage than a disadvantage.
Though it’s widely assumed as a ‘man’s world’ but in my own words: ‘Yes, it
could be a man’s world but you'll agree with me that women run that world’. If
you observe closely most things men do is to impress the ladies. Most male
Deejay's I’ve met always wanted to add to my knowledge by impacting my life positively;
I’d say it is easier for a girl to stand out as a deejay also with God's grace.

Any
formal training?

Oh yes, I had tutors for some time and also
self-taught through the Internet too.What are the challenges
you've faced so far?

Women face lots of challenges, sexual harassment, not being taken serious,
getting judged sometimes because some ignorantly still believe deejaying is not
the best career for the female gender, some client believe a male would do a
better job and usually doubt the ability of a female Dj.

Are your parents in
support of your chosen career considering you're even in a male dominated
field?

My mum didn't initially because she was concerned about how I'm going to manage
being a Dj and also keep a good Christian life but now that has been sorted. My
dad has been supportive from the start.What's the experience
like playing your first gig?

I remember I was a bit nervous, people starring and thinking wow that's a girl
deejaying but their reaction was encouraging, a female fan walked up to me and
told me she's a medical student but would like for me to train her to be a
deejay too. Which is your most
memorable gig or event?

That would be a wedding I did sometimes ago. I remember having so much fun with
the crowd taking selfies with me and I even got monetary gifts. I always enjoy
the attention too.What's the sweetest thing
a fan ever said to you?

When fans walk up to me to tell me how proud they are of me and also ask me how
they can become a Deejay too, it gladdens my heart. Will you say the job is lucrative?

With hard work and creativity in your skills it will surely get lucrative with
time. It’s just like every other business ventures. I’ll say yes the pay becomes
bigger as we grow. Been a foremost female DJ in Abeokuta, and
Ogun State at large, what's the feeling like for you?

I give God the glory for giving me the idea and the guts. It could have been
someone else but he chooses me for this and I am grateful.What are the qualities of
a good DJ?

A good DL must have good ears for good music and must be able to satisfy the
crowd. He or she must know the type of music people would appreciate because
it's always about the audienceWhich major events have
you played?

I’ve played at Weddings, Birthdays, Clubs but I'm still waiting on that huge
gig.Do you play in clubs; do
radio shows and street (Alaba) and Online mix tapes?

The sky is my starting point. I believe I will use
this medium to tell everyone reading this to get used to the name #DjMjay because
I’ve come to stay.

What
inspires you?

I get inspired by the crowd sometimes. Good vibes inspires me.What's your take on the issue that the current crops of Nigerian
Artistes mostly do party and club songs and not inspirational songs?

I think it's a result of a fan base which doesn’t know the difference between
quantity and quality. Unfortunately they are the ones with more cash thus they
frequent studios and get steady play., I also think the industry is more about
entertainment and money making than the quality of your material.Can you share with us your educational and family background?

I had my primary education in Abeokuta, had part of my secondary education in
Mayflower School, Ikenne later went to Olabisi Onabanjo University for my
tertiary education. I am the 2nd child of my family.How do you unwind when
not working?

I prefer to stay in my house, surf the internet, Practice my skill, watch lot
of movies and may be sleep.Been a female DJ and a chic one at that, how do you handle male
admirers and advances?

It's a good thing to be admired by the opposite sex but you know guys nah... so
if I must I set it straight with no disrespect without no one getting offended
or sometimes I say nothing at all.

What's your style?

My style is whatever makes me comfortable though
I could be glamorous sometimes. I got a perfect body that fits it all.Your favourite fashion
items or accessories?

I love shoes, caps, sunglasses and backpacks.

Your favourite
label or designer?

I love Gucci, Cerruti and Vivien Westwood.

Your
signature Perfume(s)

I’m into Gucci (Bamboo) and Marc by Marc
Jacobs.

Your advice for young ones who might want to
take up Disc Jockeying as a career?

If u can think it then you can achieve it so
take up the challenge and be brave, I believe everyone has their own hidden
treasures, so get up and go for it.What are your social media handles to enable your fans connect
with you?

IG: @DjMjay1 Twitter: @DjMjay01

Any last
words?

I will like to say a big Thank You to God
Almighty and everyone supporting the brand #DjMjay, I love you all.